Soap allergy
I think I have always been allergic to soap. As a child I was told I didn’t brush my teeth enough because my gums were always so sore inflamed so I would brush longer and they would never improve. When I married, we were dirt poor newlyweds in college, and at one point ran out of toothpaste. So, I used baking soda for a while and lo and behold. My gums healed up. When I went back to toothpaste, they inflamed and started bleed again. I have not used toothpaste since that time. Over time. I got to where soap anywhere on my body would cause soreness and redness. The worst part was not mentioning it to the doctors when I had gallbladder surgery and waking up to blisters and sores all over my stomach where they had swabbed my stomach. It is now in my medical records that I cannot have any soap . When I am in the public and use the restroom and wash my hands I have to immediately put lotion on or my hands will start to burn and blister. I would like to know what it is in soap. I have never been able to stand fragrances of any kind so I always avoid those so I know it’s not the fragrances.
Over the years, I have tried expensive soaps and I have tried cheap soaps. All soaps seem to react. I also am allergic to toothpaste and I have tried dozens of different kinds of toothpaste. Many promises that they completely allergy free, but I have reacted to them nonetheless. I’m reached the age now. I don’t even try anymore. I have methods that work and that’s what I’m sticking to.
, gotcha! Definitely, if you have found what works for you, then stick with it! Your skin just may not like the stripping effects even the gentlest of soaps can have.
Out of curiosity, what do you use in place of soap? Plain water? Something else?
Best, Erin, Team Member.
Hi,
!
You definitely would not be the only person that finds most conventional soaps to be too strong for them. Have you found any soaps that don't cause irritation? You might want to try smaller, handcrafted soaps that will have less additives and preservatives. Many mainstream soaps contain pthalates, sulphates, and parabens. While these additives can be helpful, they are also pretty common culprits when it comes to allergies and skin reactions. Also, antibacterial soaps, which are commonly used in public restrooms, will often contain triclosan (an antibacterial chemical). It can also cause skin irritation.
So, again, you may want to check out handmade soaps. Many of them are truly only a bit more expensive than conventional soaps and it may be worth the cost, if you can avoid reactions!
Best, Erin, Team Member.
